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How Gas Turbine Engines Work

Tim Graham/ Getty Images Jet engines on the assembly line. See more pictures of flight . Whe­n you go to an airport and see the commercial jets there, you can't help but notice the huge ­engines that power them. Most commercial jets are powered by turbofan engines, and turbofans are one example of a general class of engines called gas turbine engines. You may have never heard of gas turbine engines, but they are used in all kinds of un­expected places. For example, many of the helicopters you see, a lot of s­maller power plants and even the M-1 Tank use gas turbines. In this article, we will look at gas turbine engines to see what makes them tick!

Air Charter: Ground Transportation

  Just as you arrive at the end of your trip, chances are you are flying into a new or unfamiliar airport, it's time give some thought to ground transportation. Your host at the destination city might have told you - "I'll meet you at the airport" . It perhaps is probably the best solution when you arrive at an unfamiliar airport. But then, if that isn't possible, usually every town has a taxi service - but chances are you will not find a line of cabs waiting for the crowd at the airport. The problem is - usually there not a crowd. If one cab can do the trick, all you need is a simple advance call from the aircraft - this can usually coordinate a timely taxi or a cab on the ground. A radio call from the of air, course ...

Travel Insurance

It is vital if you are travelling with a disability to take out travel insurance to cover both your flights and holiday period itself. If you are an EU citizen and are travelling within Europe, remember that you can receive basic emergency medical assistance for free if you carry an E111 form. Never assume that the quality of health care will be the same abroad. In particular, be aware that many policies sold by tour operators will not cover individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Importantly, make sure that your travel insurance policy covers any specialist equipment you may be travelling with i.e. your wheelchair. This should include full replacement in the event that your chair is stolen or damaged. Talk to your travel insurer directly to discuss your needs, and find a policy which provides the necessary cover. The following companies all provide travel insurance policies for travellers with a disability: Age Concern Insurance Services (Garrod Hous...

Protecting your wheelchair

As with all luggage, you should tag your chair with all your contact details, name, address, telephone number and hotel address in the unlikely event that your chair goes missing. Ideally, you should also attach a photocopy of instructions to dismantle to your chair. If your chair requires any special equipment for disassembling, discuss this with the airline in advance so that they accommodate your needs. Remember, even if you are on hand to help with dismantling your chair before departure, it is unlikely that you will be present at the other end of your flight to assist with re-assembly. If you encounter any problems, then you should immediately speak to the 'Complaint Resolution Officer'. All airlines should have a CRO officer available 24hrs a day either by phone or in person, who is trained to deal with any problems a disabled flyer may encounter whilst travelling. Disabled travellers in the U.S. can order a free booklet from the U.S. Department ...

Oxygen

Just because you need to travel with oxygen, need not restrict the opportunities to travel it just takes a little bit more planning. Flying with Disability offers you the following advice to ensure a safe, happy flight. Travellers who require oxygen for medical use are, unfortunately, subject to a charge per bottle. This rate varies between airline, and can be quite expensive. You will need to contact the airline at least 48hrs prior to flying to advise the flow rate, and to get full medical clearance, though this tends to be minor technicality. In the US the FAA requires a physicians statement outlining your needs for oxygen. Please note though that some airlines require 7 days notice, so we recommend that you check with your airline as soon as you know that you are flying to avoid any complications. You will be able to carry your own oxygen cylinders for a flight, though these cylinders must be empty with the intention of filling and using them at your destina...

Information about the Aircraft

Flying with a disability entitles you to a range of information services about your journey, so that you can plan your trip and as best as possible. Planning ahead is essential if you are a disabled traveller, given the number of additional barriers you are likely to encounter. The best way to ensure and safe and hassle-free flight, is to plan ahead. Access to a range of information - such as the provision for disabled facilities is, therefore, fundamental to planning your flight. You should always check to see if there are any limitations to the aircraft itself, question whether it will be able to accommodate you. Inside the aircraft think about what facilities you will need. Does the aircraft have movable seats for wheelchairs, can your wheelchair be stored on the plane or in the cargo bay? Is there access to the toilet for disabled travellers. Airlines should always be able to answer these queries, and if not immediately, be willing to get back to you once ...

The Day of Flying

On the day of flying always arrive as early as possible. Even if you are embarking on a long-haul flight, and the prospect of spending even more time at the airport may be unappealing, having the extra time to organize everything is essential. Flying with Disability strongly recommends that you use gel or foam filled batteries to power your chair. Normal acid filled batteries can be used to fly, though security staff will be required to remove them, whereupon they will be specially packed for the duration of the flight. Manual fold up wheelchairs can actually be stowed in the on board coat closet, though there will only be room for one wheelchair. Airlines work on a first-come, first served basis for the storage of wheelchairs on board If you cannot secure this space, the airline will store your chair with the main luggage. This will not affect your luggage allowance. If you have a connecting flight, take into account that you are likely to be the last to leave ...